Title
Proclamation recognizing local students Ben Bergel and DaMarra Underwood, and local teacher Brandy Ralston, who were recently honored by the National Foundation for Teaching Entrepreneurship.
Body
WHEREAS, since 1995, the National Foundation for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) has been teaching our nation's youth the creative and financial skills needed to create and form small businesses, while at the same time, reinforcing basic academic skills; and
WHEREAS, NFTE's programs, whose scope reaches across five continents, are targeted toward schools and community organizations that primarily serve lower-income youths; and
WHEREAS, this year, Mr. Ben Bergel and Ms. DaMarra Underwood were selected as 2 of only 35 students nationwide to receive the Global Youth Entrepreneurs of the Year award from NFTE; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Bergel developed a business plan for Submarines Plus, a restaurant serving hoagies on site and by delivery, while Ms. Underwood developed a plan for DaMarra Channel Productions, a production company delivering her rendition of gospel music via live performances and recordings; and
WHEREAS, the Global Youth Entrepreneurs award will provide each of the recipients with a cash prize to serve as working capital for their businesses or to fund future educational pursuits; and
WHEREAS, also honored by NFTE was Ms. Brandy Ralston, a marketing teacher at Allderdice High School and an NFTE educator for the past 6 years, in which capacity she has guided more than 400 students through the NFTE program; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Ralston was the recipient of the Certified Entrepreneurship Teacher of the Year award, which she earned for her commitment to increasing education and economic opportunities for low-income youth;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, Allegheny County Council congratulates NFTE award winners Ben Bergel, DaMarra Underwood and Brandy Ralston on receiving these distinguished honors. Furthermore, we wish to thank NFTE for its unending commitment to helping our youth create brighter, more successful futures.